The Kasumigaura Marathon and International Blind Marathon was held on April 16, 2017. Hitachi Construction Machinery Group has been contributing to the region as a local business by being a special sponsor since 2006.

The event, which is in its 27th year, drew approximately 19,260 runners and racers and was held over four competitions, including a 5 km run, 10 mile run (approx. 16.09 km), full marathon and wheelchair race.

Approximately 250 employees, with a focus on new employees, supported the event and enlivened it by providing water stations in front of the Tsuchiura Works, event management assistance at the start and finish line at Kawaguchi Sports Park, guide helpers to support visually impaired or wheelchair athletes, and other assistance.

Following on from last year, Rio de Janeiro Paralympics cycling silver medalist and HCM employee, Masaki Fujita took the lead as a wheelchair marathon support rider so as to help avoid collisions between wheelchair racers and runners, who compete at different speeds.

The HCM Group plans to continue to offer its support for future events.